Portfolio buys global rights to iThentic titles

Toronto-based distributor Portfolio Entertainment will take web series Guidestones and Dad Drives to global markets.

Portfolio Entertainment has acquired the international rights to 7 digital titles produced by iThentic.

This is the first major digital acquisition for Portfolio, a Toronto-based production and distribution company, however it’s an area of business that has potential for real growth thanks to the expanding availability of TV Everywhere apps and sophisticated content formats, explains Joy Rosen, co-founder and president of Portfolio Entertainment.

The full roster of titles licensed from iThentic includes Guidestones, an interactive mystery/thriller that won an International Emmy; comedy shows Dad Drives and Office Pranks; animated web series The World of Bruce McCall; as well as eco/green video titles The Dirt on Green, Today on Earth, and Green Tips.

Portfolio will launch the sale of the series at major international markets starting with MIPCOM, which takes place next week in Cannes. Because the library that Portfolio acquired from iThentic cuts across different genres, it would work well for traditional broadcasters who are diversifying their multi-platform offerings, says Rosen.

“We feel that Guidestones can stand alone on digital platforms but we are also looking to augment this with linear sales. Guidestones was originally produced for multiple formats — as half hours and a feature, in addition to the webisodes. This offers a lot of flexibility to both traditional and digital platforms,” Rosen tells StreamDaily via email, about the show that currently streams on CTV Extend in Canada where it is geo-blocked.

“Dad Drives and Office Pranks are perfect for comedy channels as short series and interstitials. Dad Drives shorts could be the inspiration for a series, too,” she adds.